Boating · Nepal
The Lakes of Nepal
Phewa, Begnas, Rara, Gosaikunda, Tilicho and Shey Phoksundo — Nepal's most beautiful lakes and what to do at each.
From a busy resort lake reflecting the Annapurnas to remote alpine pools reached only on foot, Nepal's lakes range from easy day trips to high pilgrimage sites. Here are the best and what to do at each.
The short answer
The most accessible is Phewa Lake in Pokhara, where you can hire a boat and visit the island temple. Nearby Begnas offers a quieter alternative, while Rara, Gosaikunda, Tilicho and Shey Phoksundo reward those willing to travel or trek into the high country.
Lowland and lakeside
- Phewa Lake — the heart of Pokhara; row out to the Tal Barahi temple, watch the sunset, or take a boat trip across to the World Peace Pagoda trail. See things to do in Pokhara.
- Begnas Lake — a calm, less-developed lake just east of Pokhara, good for swimming, fishing and a peaceful afternoon.
High-altitude and remote
- Rara Lake — the largest lake in Nepal, a deep-blue jewel in the remote far-western highlands.
- Gosaikunda — a sacred alpine lake in the Langtang region, a popular pilgrimage and trek destination.
- Tilicho Lake — one of the highest lakes in the world, a dramatic side trip on the Annapurna Circuit.
- Shey Phoksundo — a turquoise lake deep in the Dolpo region, known for its striking colour and isolation.
Several of these pair naturally with a trek — see our best treks in Nepal — and the high lakes sit within protected areas covered in our national parks and wildlife guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous lake in Nepal?+
Phewa Lake in Pokhara is the most famous and most visited, ringed by cafes and guesthouses with the Annapurna range reflected in its water. You can hire a colourful wooden boat to row out to the island temple in its centre.
Which is the largest lake in Nepal?+
Rara Lake, in the remote far west, is the largest and deepest lake in Nepal. Sitting at nearly 3,000 metres inside Rara National Park, it is prized for its deep blue water and complete tranquillity.
Can you visit lakes in Nepal while trekking?+
Yes, several of Nepal's most spectacular lakes are reached on foot. Gosaikunda is a sacred high-altitude lake in Langtang, Tilicho is one of the highest lakes in the world on the Annapurna Circuit, and Shey Phoksundo lies deep in Dolpo.
What can you do at Phewa Lake in Pokhara?+
You can row or paddle a hired boat, visit the Tal Barahi temple on its island, watch the sunset from a lakeside cafe, or paddle across and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda on the southern ridge.
